Early Edo Period (17th c.)/Ink on paper, hanging scroll
17.8 x 16.2 cm
SUMMARY
A transcription by Emperor Go-Sai, from the Hahakigi chapter of the Tale of Genji. Born the 8th son of Emperor Go-Mizu-no-O, Emperor Go-Sai reigned from 1655 to 1663. He inherited his father’s talent for waka poems and linked poems, and was deeply interested in classical literature. He was an expert in calligraphy, the tea ceremony, and the incense ceremony – there are many fragrant woods used in the incense ceremony that were named by him. He also worked on transcribing old records, work that he continued following his abdication. This extract is a part of the "Appraisal on a Rainy Night” scene from the Hahakigi chapter. This episode from the tale takes place on a night in May, during a period of rainy weather. The Emperor has confined himself to his residence on an inauspicious day, and Hikaru Genji and Tono Chujo, who are in attendance to him, are discussing women. They are joined by Sama no Kami and Toushikibu no Jou, and all four discuss their theories on women. Sama no Kami and Toushikibu no Jou are considered to be the most libidinous people in the court, and the fact that Tono Chujo is expecting their critiques to be exciting is clear from the phrase “Tono Chujo welcomed those two as if he were waiting for the opportunity”. The beginning of this transcription is the title “Hahakigi”, which is followed immediately by “Sama no Kami...”, which is different from the original text of the Hahakigi chapter. As a result, this is thought to be an extract.
ARTIST
Emperor Go-sai
1637-1685
The 111th Emperor, Emperor Go-Sai, reigned between 1655 and 1663. Tutored by his father, Emperor Go-Mizu-no-O, he was dedicated to learning and left many works, such as Genji Kikigaki and Hyakunin Isshu Kikigaki. He was an expert in the fields of waka poetry and calligraphy, and also knowledgeable about the tea ceremony, flower arrangement and the incense ceremony.
List of artworks by the same artist
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